Miami Guide – Spend Less, Do More

If you've strolled the boardwalk and South Beach, been to the celebrity hotels, malls and art galleries you may start to think that you've seen the best that Miami has to offer. But if you have some time on your hands and want to explore some offbeat activities, look no further than these.

No wonder it's called the Magic City – these things are free!

Make the most of Miami's warm, sunny climate from beaches to nightlife. For cultural aficionados, the city offers a number of art walks, generally held on the second Saturday of every month. Visit the website for upcoming details. And on the theme of exercising, why not aspire to a 'healthy body, healthy mind'. Stretch both at a free yoga class. Held three times a week at Bayfront Park it's a great way to burn (calories, that is) in the sun.

For the price of a burger and fries at a local diner

Check out the stands at the Coconut Grove Organic Market! If fresh and delicious fruits, vegetables and healthy juices take your fancy, you can eat in or take away the selection of organic produce. Afterwards, you can take your family to one of the many museums for some intellectual stimulation.

You could buy souvenir Don Johnson t-shirts for the family or…

Why not try a Miami Vice style Thriller Miami speedboat tour. This power catamaran zooms past the Miami coastline in a hair-raising 45 minute sightseeing adventure with upbeat music, thrills and spills and comedic commentary about some of the highlights along the way. Your guides will point out celebrity homes and movie locations and the boat is also available for charter.

If the experience leaves you craving food, head to bustling Joe's Stone Crab. Established more than a century ago, this restaurant is widely considered to be one of Miami Beach's most famous and is regularly given '2 claws up' by patrons. It's well known for its friendly service, key lime pie and of course, stone crab. Get there early to avoid a long wait because you can't make a reservation at this hot spot.

You're on holidays, so be extravagant!

Get star struck on a 90 minute boat cruise of the celebrity homes and sites on the aptly named Star Island. From getting up close to celebrity homes (Shaquille O'Neal, Will Smith, Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias) to filming locations (Scarface, Miami Vice, CSI Miami) there is much to see but if you're not really a fan of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, just enjoy the idyllic views that the islands along the way have to offer.

Alternatively, enjoy a day trip to Key West where you can go on a glass-bottom boat, snorkel, kayak and parasail or visit the Dry Tortugas National Park and Fort Jefferson Military Island. For something really unique buy a custom made, intricately designed candle at Konch Kandles for a great souvenir of the area. If you have the time, spend a few days and explore even more of the sites on offer. Ernest Hemingway home and museum is a unique experience. You will be greeted by more than 40 polydactyl (six toed) cats at the museum upon arrival. Visit the famed Seven Mile Bridge, featured in such popular movies as James Bond Licence To Kill, 2 Fast 2 Furious and True Lies.